Aza-bicycloalkyl ethers and their use as alpha7-nachr agonists

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to 1-aza-bicycloalkyl derivatives of formula I, 
     
       
         
         
             
             
         
       
     
     wherein X is CH 2  or a single bond; Y is a group of formula 
     
       
         
         
             
             
         
       
     
     and wherein R has the meanings as defined in the specification, which compounds are alpha 7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) agonists; to processes for their production, their use as pharmaceuticals and to pharmaceutical compositions comprising them.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The instant application is a continuation of co-pending U.S. applicationSer. No. 15/819,535, filed Nov. 21, 2017, which is a continuation ofU.S. application Ser. No. 15/398,427, filed Jan. 4, 2017 (now U.S. Pat.No. 9,849,117, issued Dec. 26, 2017), which is a continuation of U.S.Ser. No. 14/643,275 (now U.S. Pat. No. 9,567,343, issued Feb. 14, 2017),filed Mar. 10, 2015, which is a continuation of U.S. Ser. No. 13/462,187(now U.S. Pat. No. 9,012,451, issued Apr. 21, 2015), filed May 2, 2012,which is a division of U.S. Ser. No. 12/262,896 (now U.S. Pat. No.8,236,803, issued Aug. 7, 2012), filed Oct. 31, 2008, which is adivision of U.S. Ser. No. 11/823,312 (now U.S. Pat. No. 7,579,362,issued Aug. 25, 2009), filed Jun. 26, 2007, which is a continuation ofU.S. Ser. No. 10/526,759, filed Aug. 3, 2005, which is a US nationalstage of International Application No. PCT/EP03/09772, filed Sep. 3,2003, which in turn claims the benefit of GB 0220581.3, filed Sep. 4,2002. Each of the foregoing is incorporated by reference in its entiretyas though fully set forth herein.

The present invention relates to novel 1-aza-bicycloalkyl derivatives,to processes for their production, their use as pharmaceuticals and topharmaceutical compositions comprising them.

More particularly the present invention provides in a first aspect, acompound of formula I

wherein

X is CH₂ or a single bond;

Y is a group of formula

R is a substituted or unsubstituted C₅-C₁₀aryl or substituted orunsubstituted hetero-C₅-C₁₀aryl, N(R¹)(R⁴), or N(R²)(CHR³R⁴);

each of R¹, R² and R³ is independently H, C₁-C₄alkyl, or CF₃;

R⁴ is a substituted or unsubstituted C₅-C₁₀aryl or substituted orunsubstituted hetero-C₅-C₁₀aryl;

in free base or acid addition salt form.

C₅-C₁₀aryl and hetero-C₅-C₁₀aryl as used herein mean especiallypartially or fully unsaturated, e.g. aromatic, residues optionallysubstituted by one or more substituents, preferably up to threesubstituents, selected from halogen, e.g. F, Cl, Br, I; CN; C₁-C₄alkyl,such as methyl, ethyl or propyl, C₂-C₄alkenyl, such as vinyl,C₂-C₄alkinyl, which radicals themselves can be unsubstituted orsubstituted by halogen, e.g. difluoromethyl or trifluoromethyl;C₁-C₄alkoxy, which radical itself can be unsubstituted or substituted byhalogen, e.g. trifluoromethoxy; formyl, acetyl; C₁-C₃alkoxycarbonyl;N,N-di-(C₁-C₃alkyl) carbamoyl; phenyl, phenoxy; or which substituentscan be condensed, e.g. to a benzo[1,3]dioxole or2,3-dihydrobenzo[1,4]dioxine and/or to a further heterocyclic ring.Hetero-C₅-C₁₀aryl is an aromatic heterocyclic system comprising one, twoor three hetero atoms selected from N, O, S, e.g. a 5 or 7 memberedaromatic heterocyclic residue optionally condensed, e.g. to 1 or 2phenyl rings and/or to a further heterocyclic ring. Examples ofC₅-C₁₀aryl or hetero-C₅-C₁₀aryl residues as mentioned above includephenyl, naphthyl, tetrahydronaphthyl such as tetralinyl, indanyl,thienyl, benzothienyl, furanyl, benzofuranyl and isobenzofuranyl.

Preferably, C₅-C₁₀aryl and hetero-C₅-C₁₀aryl as used herein meanpartially or fully unsaturated, e.g. aromatic, residues optionallysubstituted by one or more substituents, preferably up to threesubstituents, selected from halogen, e.g. F, Cl, Br, I; CN; C₁-C₄alkyl,such as methyl, ethyl or propyl, which radical itself can beunsubstituted or substituted by halogen, e.g. difluoromethyl ortrifluoromethyl; C₁-C₄alkoxy, which radical itself can be unsubstitutedor substituted by halogen, e.g. trifluoromethoxy; or which substituentscan be condensed, e.g. to a benzo[1,3]dioxole or2,3-dihydrobenzo[1,4]dioxine and/or to a further heterocyclic ring.Hetero-C₅-C₁₀aryl is an aromatic heterocyclic system comprising one, twoor three hetero atoms selected from N, O, S, e.g. a 5 or 7 memberedaromatic heterocyclic residue optionally condensed, e.g. to 1 or 2phenyl rings and/or to a further heterocyclic ring. Examples ofC₅-C₁₀aryl or hetero-C₅-C₁₀aryl residues as mentioned above includephenyl, naphthyl, indanyl, tetralinyl, thienyl, benzothienyl, furanyl,benzofuranyl and isobenzofuranyl.

Acid addition salts are especially pharmaceutically acceptable salts ofcompounds of formula I. For isolation or purification purposes it isalso possible to use pharmaceutically unacceptable salts, for examplepicrates or perchlorates. For therapeutic use, only pharmaceuticallyacceptable salts or free compounds are employed (where applicable in theform of pharmaceutical preparations), and these are therefore preferred.

On account of the asymmetrical carbon atom(s) present in the compoundsof formula I and their salts, the compounds may exist in opticallyactive form or in form of mixtures of optical isomers, e.g. in form ofracemic mixtures. All optical isomers and their mixtures including theracemic mixtures are part of the present invention.

In formula I the following significances are preferred independently,collectively or in any combination or sub-combination, if applicable:

(a) X is CH₂;

(b) Y is

(c) Y is

(d) R is 1-isobenzofuranyl or substituted or unsubstituted phenyl, e.g.monosubstituted by a chlorine or fluorine in position 2, 3 or 4, CF₃ inposition 2 or 3, methoxy in position 2; trifluoromethoxy in position 3;benzo[1,3]-dioxole; 2,3-dihydrobenzo[1,4]-dioxine; cyano; ordisubstituted, e.g. by a fluorine in position 2 and 5, 3 and 5 orchlorine in position 2 and fluorine in position 6.

Preferred are those aza-bicycloalkyl derivatives of formula I wherein

X is CH₂ or a single bond;

Y is a group of formula

and

R is phenyl, naphthyl, tetrahydronaphthyl, indanyl, thienyl,benzothienyl, furanyl, benzofuranyl and isobenzofuranyl, which in eachcase can be unsubstituted or mono-, di- or trisubstituted by

halogen, cyano, formyl, acetyl, C₁-C₃alkoxycarbonyl, N,N-di-(C₁-C₃alkyl)carbamoyl, phenyl, phenoxy, methylendioxy, ethylendioxy; or

C₁-C₄alkyl, C₂-C₄alkenyl, C₂-C₄alkinyl or C₁-C₄alkoxy, which radicalsthemselves can be unsubstituted or mono-, di- or trisubstituted byhalogen.

More preferred are those aza-bicycloalkyl derivatives of formula Iwherein

X is CH₂ or a single bond;

Y is a group of formula

and

R is

(a) phenyl which is unsubstituted or mono-, di- or trisubstituted byhalogen, cyano, methylendioxy,

C₁-C₄alkyl, which is unsubstituted or mono-, di- or trisubstituted byhalogen, or

C₁-C₄alkoxy, which is unsubstituted or mono-, di- or trisubstituted byhalogen,

(b) naphthyl, indanyl, tetralinyl or

(c) furanyl, benzofuranyl, isobenzofuranyl, benzothienyl or thienyl,

in free base or acid addition salt form.

Even more preferred are those aza-bicycloalkyl derivatives of formula Iwherein

X is CH₂ or a single bond;

Y is a group of formula

and

R is

(a) phenyl which is unsubstituted or mono-, di- or trisubstituted by

halogen, cyano, methylendioxy,

C₁-C₄alkyl, which is unsubstituted or mono-, di- or trisubstituted byhalogen, or

C₁-C₄alkoxy, which is unsubstituted or mono-, di- or trisubstituted byhalogen,

(b) naphthyl, or

(c) furanyl, benzofuranyl, isobenzofuranyl, or thienyl,

in free base or acid addition salt form.

In addition to the foregoing the present invention also provides aprocess for the production of a compound of formula I, which processcomprises the step of reacting a compound of formula II

z-Y—R  (II);

wherein Y and R are as defined above and z is a leaving group, e.g. F,Cl, Br, I or OSO₂CF₃, with a compound of formula III

wherein X is as defined above for a compound of formula I,

and recovering the so obtained compound of formula I in free base oracid addition salt form.

The reaction may be carried out in accordance with standard procedures,for instance, as illustrated in the Examples.

Compounds of formula II are known or may be prepared from correspondingknown compounds, e.g. as described in the Examples, e.g. in analogy toCoates W J, McKillop A (1992) Synthesis 334-342. The compounds offormula III are known.

Alternatively, the compounds of formula I′

wherein

X and R are as defined above and Y′ is

can be produced by a process comprising the step of

reacting a compound of formula IV

wherein Y′, z and X are as defined above,

with a compound of formula V

wherein R is as defined above for a compound of formula I,

and recovering the so obtained compound of formula I′ in free base oracid addition salt form.

Compounds of formula IV are known or may be prepared from correspondingknown compounds, e.g. as described in Example 17, e.g. by reactingcompounds of formula III with compounds of formula II′;

wherein Y′ is

and z is as described above.

Compounds of formula V (e.g. unsubstituted or substituted phenylboronicacids) are known or may be prepared from corresponding known compounds.For instance, a compound of formula VI,

R—Br  (VI)

wherein R has the meaning as provided for a compound of formula I, canbe reacted with a trialkyl borate in an inert solvent such as benzene,toluene, tetrahydrofuran or mixtures thereof by the addition of butyllithium at a temperature of between about −78° C. and −25° C., e.g.about −40° C., for a period of about 1 hour to 6 hours, furnishing acompound of formula V.

Working up the reaction mixtures according to the above processes andpurification of the compounds thus obtained may be carried out inaccordance to known procedures.

Acid addition salts may be produced from the free bases in known manner,and vice-versa. Suitable acid addition salts for use in accordance withthe present invention include, for example, the hydrochloride and theformate.

Compounds of formula I in optically pure form can be obtained from thecorresponding racemates according to well-known procedures, e.g. HPLCwith chiral matrix. Alternatively, optically pure starting materials canbe used.

Stereoisomeric mixtures, e.g. mixtures of diastereomers, can beseparated into their corresponding isomers in a manner known per se bymeans of suitable separation methods. Diastereomeric mixtures forexample may be separated into their individual diastereomers by means offractionated crystallization, chromatography, solvent distribution, andsimilar procedures. This separation may take place either at the levelof a starting compound or in a compound of formula I itself. Enantiomersmay be separated through the formation of diastereomeric salts, forexample by salt formation with an enantiomer-pure chiral acid, or bymeans of chromatography, for example by HPLC, using chromatographicsubstrates with chiral ligands.

In the additional process steps, carried out as desired, functionalgroups of the starting compounds which should not take part in thereaction may be present in unprotected form or may be protected forexample by one or more of the protecting groups mentioned below. Theprotecting groups are then wholly or partly removed according to one ofthe methods described there.

The protecting groups may already be present in precursors and shouldprotect the functional groups concerned against unwanted secondaryreactions. It is a characteristic of protecting groups that they lendthemselves readily, i.e. without undesired secondary reactions, toremoval, typically by solvolysis, reduction, photolysis or also byenzyme activity, for example under conditions analogous to physiologicalconditions, and that they are not present in the end-products. Thespecialist knows, or can easily establish, which protecting groups aresuitable with the reactions mentioned hereinabove and hereinafter.

The protection of such functional groups by protecting groups, theprotecting groups themselves, and their removal reactions are describedfor example in standard reference works, such as J. F. W. McOmie,“Protective Groups in Organic Chemistry”, Plenum Press, London and NewYork 1973, in T. W. Greene, “Protective Groups in Organic Synthesis”,Wiley, New York 1981, in “The Peptides”; Volume 3 (editors: E. Gross andJ. Meienhofer), Academic Press, London and New York 1981, in “Methodender organischen Chemie” (Methods of organic chemistry), Houben Weyl, 4thedition, Volume 15/I, Georg Thieme Verlag, Stuttgart 1974, in H.-D.Jakubke and H. Jescheit, “Aminosauren, Peptide, Proteine” (Amino acids,peptides, proteins), Verlag Chemie, Weinheim, Deerfield Beach, and Basel1982, and in Jochen Lehmann, “Chemie der Kohlenhydrate: Monosaccharideund Derivate” (Chemistry of carbohydrates: monosaccharides andderivatives), Georg Thieme Verlag, Stuttgart 1974.

All process steps described here can be carried out under known reactionconditions, preferably under those specifically mentioned, in theabsence of or usually in the presence of solvents or diluents,preferably such as are inert to the reagents used and able to dissolvethese, in the absence or presence of catalysts, condensing agents orneutralising agents, for example ion exchangers, typically cationexchangers, for example in the H⁺ form, depending on the type ofreaction and/or reactants at reduced, normal, or elevated temperature,for example in the range from −100° C. to about 190° C., preferably fromabout −80° C. to about 150° C., for example at −80 to −60° C., at roomtemperature, at −20 to 40° C. or at the boiling point of the solventused, under atmospheric pressure or in a closed vessel, whereappropriate under pressure, and/or in an inert atmosphere, for exampleunder argon or nitrogen.

The compounds of the invention and their pharmaceutically acceptableacid addition salts, hereinafter referred to as agents of the invention,exhibit valuable pharmacological properties when tested in vitro and inanimals, and are therefore useful as pharmaceuticals.

In particular, the agents of the invention are α7 nicotinicacetylcholine receptor (nAChR) agonists.

In functional assays, the agents of the invention display high affinityat the α7 nAChR as shown in the following tests:

-   a) A functional assay for affinity at the α7 nAChR is carried out    with a rat pituitary cell line stably expressing the α7 nAChR. As a    read out, the calcium influx upon stimulation of the receptor is    used. In this assay, agents of the invention exhibit pEC₅₀ values of    about 5 to about 8.-   b) To assess the activity of the agents of the invention on the    human neuronal nAChR a 4β2, a similar functional assay is carried    out using a human epithelial cell line stable expressing the human    α4β2 subtype. In this assay, agents of the invention show    selectivity for the α7 nAChR subtypes.-   c) To assess the activity of the compounds of the invention on the    “ganglionic subtype” and the muscle type of nicotinic receptor,    similar functional assays as described under a) are carried out with    a human epithelial cell line stably expressing the human ganglionic    subtype or a cell line endogenously expressing the human muscle type    of nicotinic receptors. In these assays, agents of the invention    display no or little activity on the ganglionic and muscle type of    nicotinic receptor subtypes.

In the model of mice showing sensory gating deficit (DBA/2-mice)described by S. Leonard et al. in Schizophrenia Bulletin 22, 431-445(1996), the agents of the invention induce significant sensory gating atconcentrations of about 10 to about 40 μM.

The agents of the invention are therefore useful for the prevention andtreatment of psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia, mania,depression and anxiety, and for the prevention and treatment ofneurodegenerative disorders such as senile dementia, Alzheimer's diseaseand other intellectual impairment disorders, such as attention deficithyperactivity disorders (ADHD); Parkinson's disease, Huntington'schorea, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy,convulsions, Tourette syndrome, OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder),neuropathic, postoperative and inflammatory pain, phantom limb pain,cognition, smoking cessation, memory deficits and dysfunction, learningdeficit, panic disorders, narcolepsy, nociception, AIDS dementia, seniledementia, autism, tardive dyskinesia, social phobia, pseudodementia. Theusefulness of α7 nAChR agonists in neurodegeneration is documented inthe literature, e.g. in Wang et al., J. biol. Chem. 275, 5626-5632(2000).

For the above indications the appropriate dosage of the agents of theinvention will, of course, vary depending upon, for example, the host,the mode of administration and the nature and severity of the conditionbeing treated as well as the relative potency of the particular agent ofthe invention employed. For example, the amount of active agent requiredmay be determined on the basis of known in vitro and in vivo techniques,determining how long a particular active agent concentration in theblood plasma remains at an acceptable level for a therapeutic effect. Ingeneral, satisfactory results in animals are indicated to be obtained atdaily dosages of from about 0.01 to about 20.0 mg/kg p.o. In humans, anindicated daily dosage is in the range of from about 0.7 to about 1400mg/day p.o., e.g. from about 50 to 200 mg (70 kg man), convenientlyadministered once or in divided doses up to 4× per day or in sustainedrelease form. Oral dosage forms accordingly suitably comprise from about1.75 or 2.0 to about 700 or 1400 mg of an agent of the invention admixedwith an appropriate pharmaceutically acceptable diluent or carriertherefor.

Examples for compositions comprising an agent of the invention include,e.g. a solid dispersion, an aqueous solution, e.g. containing asolubilising agent, a microemulsion and a suspension of, e.g. ahydrochloride salt of a compound of formula I in the range of from 0.1to 1%, e.g. 0.5%. The composition may be buffered to a pH in the rangeof, e.g. from 3.5 to 9.5, e.g. to pH 4.5, by a suitable buffer.

The agents of the invention are also useful as research chemicals.

For use according to the invention, the agent of the invention may beadministered as single active agent or in combination with other activeagents commonly employed for the treatment of the disorders mentionedherein, in any usual manner, e.g. orally, for example in the form oftablets or capsules, or parenterally, for example in the form ofinjection solutions or suspensions.

The pharmaceutical compositions for separate administration of thecombination partners and for the administration in a fixed combination,i.e. a single galenical composition comprising at least two combinationpartners, according to the invention can be prepared in a manner knownper se and are those suitable for enteral, such as oral or rectal, andparenteral administration to mammals, including man, comprising atherapeutically effective amount of at least one pharmacologicallyactive combination partner alone or in combination with one or morepharmaceutically acceptable carries, especially suitable for enteral orparenteral application.

Pharmaceutical compositions contain, for example, from about 0.1% toabout 99.9%, preferably from about 20% to about 60%, of the activeingredients. Pharmaceutical preparations for the combination therapy forenteral or parenteral administration are, for example, those in unitdosage forms, such as sugar-coated tablets, tablets, capsules orsuppositories, and furthermore ampoules. If not indicated otherwise,these are prepared in a manner known per se, for example by means ofconventional mixing, granulating, sugar-coating, dissolving orlyophilizing processes. It will be appreciated that the unit content ofa combination partner contained in an individual dose of each dosageform need not in itself constitute an effective amount since thenecessary effective amount can be reached by administration of aplurality of dosage units.

In particular, a therapeutically effective amount of each of thecombination partners may be administered simultaneously or sequentiallyand in any order, and the components may be administered separately oras a fixed combination. For example, the method of delay of progressionor treatment of a proliferative disease according to the invention maycomprise (i) administration of the combination partner (a) in free orpharmaceutically acceptable salt form and (ii) administration of acombination partner (b) in free or pharmaceutically acceptable saltform, simultaneously or sequentially in any order, in jointlytherapeutically effective amounts, preferably in synergisticallyeffective amounts, e.g. in daily dosages corresponding to the amountsdescribed herein. The individual combination partners can beadministered separately at different times during the course of therapyor concurrently in divided or single combination forms. Furthermore, theterm administering also encompasses the use of a pro-drug of acombination partner that convert in vivo to the combination partner assuch. The instant invention is therefore to be understood as embracingall such regimes of simultaneous or alternating treatment and the term“administering” is to be interpreted accordingly.

The effective dosage of each of the combination partners employed mayvary depending on the particular compound or pharmaceutical compositionemployed, the mode of administration, the condition being treated, theseverity of the condition being treated. Thus, the dosage regimen isselected in accordance with a variety of factors including the route ofadministration and the renal and hepatic function of the patient. Aphysician, clinician or veterinarian of ordinary skill can readilydetermine and prescribe the effective amount of the single activeingredients required to prevent, counter or arrest the progress of thecondition. Optimal precision in achieving concentration of the activeingredients within the range that yields efficacy without toxicityrequires a regimen based on the kinetics of the active ingredients'availability to target sites.

In accordance with the foregoing, the present invention also provides:

(1) An agent of the invention for use as an alpha-7 receptor agonist,for example for use in any of the particular indications hereinbeforeset forth.

(2) A pharmaceutical composition comprising an agent of the invention asactive ingredient together with a pharmaceutically acceptable diluent orcarrier therefore.

(2′) A pharmaceutical composition for the treatment or prevention of adisease or condition in which alpha-7 receptor activation plays a roleor is implicated comprising an agent of the invention and a carrier.

(3) A method for the treatment of any of particular indicationhereinbefore set forth in a subject in need thereof which comprisesadministering an effective amount of an agent of the invention.

(3′) A method for treating or preventing a disease or condition in whichthe alpha-7 receptor activation plays a role or is implicated comprisingadministering to a mammal in need thereof a therapeutically effectiveamount of an agent of the invention.

(4) The use of an agent of the invention for the manufacture of amedicament for the treatment or prevention of a disease or condition inwhich the alpha-7 receptor activation plays a role or is implicated.

(5) A method as defined above comprising co-administration, e.g.concomitantly or in sequence, of a therapeutically effective amount ofan alpha-7 agonist, e.g. an agent of the invention and a second drugsubstance, said second drug substance being for example for use in anyof the particular indications hereinbefore set forth.

(6) A combination comprising a therapeutically effective amount of analpha-7 agonist agonist, e.g. an agent of the invention and a seconddrug substance, said second drug substance being for example for use inany of the particular indications hereinbefore set forth.

The following Examples illustrate the invention.

ABBREVIATIONS USED IN THE EXAMPLES

-   AcOEt ethyl acetate-   aq. aqueous-   DEAD diethylazodicarboxylate-   DMF dimethylformamide-   EtOH ethanol-   FC flash chromatography-   h hour-   HV high vacuum-   MeOH MeOH-   RP-HPLC reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatography-   rt room temperature-   rac. racemate-   soln. solution-   TFA trifluoroacetic acid-   THF tetrahydrofuran

Example 1: Preparation of(rac.)-3-[6-(4-fluorophenyl)-pyridazin-3-yloxy]-1-azabicyclo[2.2.2]octane

A solution of (rac.)-3-quinuclidinol (0.007 mole) in dry THF undernitrogen is treated with sodium hydride (60% in mineral oil; 1.1equiv.). After 1 hr at room temperature, a solution of3-chloro-6-(4-fluoro-phenyl)pyridazine (1.0 equiv.) in THF (30 ml) isadded, and the reaction mixture heated to reflux for 6 hrs. Aftercooling to rt, the THF is evaporated and the residue dissolved in ethylacetate (100 ml) and then washed with water (3×20 ml), followed bysodium chloride solution (20 ml). The ethyl acetate is dried overanhydrous magnesium sulfate, filtered and evaporated to dryness, and theresidual oil purified by silica gel column chromatography (eluent: ethylacetate-methanol-triethylamine (50:10:2) to afford(rac.)-3-[6-(4-fluorophenyl)-pyridazin-3-yloxy]-1-aza-bicyclo[2.2.2]octaneas a colourless solid. 1H-NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃): δ=8.00 (m, 2H), 7.75 (d,1H), 7.17 (m, 2H), 7.1 (d, 1H), 5.35 (m, 1H), 3.5 (m, 1H), 2.99-2.83 (m,5H), 2.32 (m, 1H), 1.98 (m, 1H), 1.76-1.68 (m, 2H), 1.46 (m, 1H).

The following compounds of formula I wherein Y is

can be prepared in analogy to Example 1:

stereo- HPLC Ex. chem. X R rt (min) [α]_(D) ^(rt) mp. ° C. (salt) M + H⁺2 (3R,4S) bond phenyl 5.7 −23.5° 143-145 268 (0.1% (no salt) MeOH) 3(3S,4R) bond phenyl 5.7 −26.5° 145-147 268 (0.1% (no salt) MeOH) 4 (S)CH₂ phenyl 5.2 −32.5° 128-130 282.2 (0.5% (no salt) MeOH) 5 (R) CH₂4-chloro-phenyl 6.2 +29.0° 175-177 316.2 (0.1% (no salt) MeOH) 6 (R) CH₂3-chloro-phenyl 6.2 +38.5°  98-100 316.2 (0.1% (no salt) MeOH) 7 rac.CH₂ 2-methoxy- 5.5 N/A 125-128 312.4 phenyl (no salt) 8 (R) CH₂ 4- 7.0+28 172-175 350.5 trifluoromethyl- (0.1% (no salt) phenyl MeOH) 9 (R)CH₂ 2-fluoro-phenyl 5.6 +23.5° 110-113 300.2 (0.1% (no salt) MeOH) 10(R) CH₂ 2-chloro-phenyl 5.7 +29.5° 85-87 316.2 (0.1% (no salt) MeOH) 11(R) CH₂ 4-fluoro-phenyl 5.7 +39.5° 146-149 300.2 (0.1% (no salt) MeOH)12 (R) CH₂ 3-fluoro-phenyl 5.5 +31.5° 118-121 300.2 (0.1% (no salt)MeOH) 13 (R) CH₂ 3,4-dichloro- 7.3 +29.5° 173-175 350.2 phenyl (0.1% (nosalt) MeOH) 14 (R) CH₂ 3- 6.9 +23.0° 112-115 350.3 trifluoromethyl-(0.1% (no salt) phenyl MeOH) 15 (R) CH₂ 3,5-dichloro- 7.3 +31.0° 127-130350.2 phenyl (0.1% (no salt) MeOH) 16 (R) CH₂ 1-isobenzofuranyl 6.8+29.0 193-195° 321.38 (0.1% (no salt) MeOH)

Example 17: Preparation of(rac.)-3-(5-Phenyl-pyrimidin-2-yloxy)-1-aza-bicyclo[2.2.2]octane

5-Bromo-2-hydroxy-pyrimidine (400 mg, 2.29 mmol), (rac.)-3-quinuclidinol(432 mg, 3.36 mmol) and triphenylphosphine (890 mg, 3.40 mmol) aredissolved in THF (25 ml). After stirring for 10′ at −10° C., a solutionof DEAD (522 □l, 3.36 mmol) in THF (20 ml) is added dropwise. Thereaction mixture is allowed to warm to rt and is stirred for 16 h at rt.The reaction mixture is evaporated to give an orange semi-solid (2.50g), which is triturated with AcOEt and filtered to give(rac.)-3-(5-bromo-pyrimidin-2-yloxy)-1-aza-bicyclo[2.2.2]-octane as awhite solid. The filtrate is purified by FC (silica gel, eluents:AcOEt/MeOH 9:1, then AcOEt/MeOH/NEt₃ 70:27:3).(rac.)-3-(5-Bromo-pyrimidin-2-yloxy)-1-aza-bicyclo[2.2.2]octane (150 mg,0.53 mmol), phenylboronic acid (66 mg, 0.54 mmol) andtetrakis(triphenyl-phosphine)palladium are dissolved in toluene:EtOH 9:1(15 ml). Na₂CO₃ (225 mg, 2.12 mmol) is dissolved in water (1.5 ml) andadded to the reaction mixture, which is heated at 90° C. for 20 h. Aftercooling to rt, it is filtered over celite; the toluene layer isseparated and washed with brine. The aq. layers are re-extracted withAcOEt, the combined organic extracts are dried over MgSO₄, filtered andthe filtrate is evaporated to give a light yellow gum (195 mg) that ispurified by FC (silica gel, eluents: AcOEt/MeOH 9:1, thenAcOEt/MeOH/NEt₃ 70:27:3) to give a white solid which still containsstarting material. A second purification is done by RP-HPLC (PhenomenexRP18 column, gradient 0.08% aq. HCOOH/CH₃CN 95:5→CH₃CN in 20′) to give(rac)-3-(5-phenyl-pyrimidin-2-yloxy)-1-aza-bicyclo[2.2.2]octane as itsformate salt; HPLC rt (min): 5.4; mp ° C.: 108-114; M+H⁺ 282.2.

Example 18: Preparation of(R)-3-(5-Phenyl-pyrimidin-2-yloxy)-1-aza-bicyclo[2.2.2]octane

5-Bromo-2-chloro-pyrimidine (400 mg, 2.03 mmol), phenylboronic acid (253mg, 2.07 mmol) and tetrakis(triphenylphosphine)palladium (118 mg, 0.102mmol) are dissolved in toluene/EtOH 9:1 (50 ml). Na₂CO₃ (861 mg, 8.12mmol) is dissolved in water (4 ml) and added to the reaction mixture.The mixture is stirred at 90° C. for 19 h, cooled to rt and filteredover celite. The toluene layer is separated and washed with brine. Theaq. layers are re-extracted with AcOEt; the combined organic extractsare dried over MgSO₄ and filtered. The filtrate is evaporated to give ayellow solid (503 mg), which is purified by FC (silica gel, eluentscyclohexane and AcOEt/cyclohexane 1:9) to give2-chloro-5-phenyl-pyrimidine. (R)-3-quinuclidinol (478 mg, 3.76 mmol) isadded to a suspension of NaH (164 mg of a 60% dispersion in mineral oil,4.09 mmol) in DMF (10 ml). The mixture is stirred for 1 h at rt.2-Chloro-5-phenyl-pyrimidine (177 mg, 0.93 mmol) is added and themixture is heated for 3.5 h at 90° C. The reaction mixture is dilutedwith toluene and washed with 1M aq. NaOH solution and brine. The aq.layers are re-extracted with toluene (3×). The combined organic extractsare dried over MgSO₄ and filtered. The filtrate is evaporated to give ayellow solid (310 mg), which is purified by FC (silica gel, eluents:AcOEt, then AcOEt/MeOH/NEt₃ 80:18:2). A second purification is done byRP-HPLC (Phenomenex RP18 column, gradient 0.08% aq. HCOOH→0.08% aq.HCOOH/CH3CN 80:20 in 10′,→CH₃CN in 15′) to give(R)-3-(5-phenyl-pyrimidin-2-yloxy)-1-aza-bicyclo[2.2.2]-octane as itsformate salt, HPLC rt (min): 5.4; mp ° C.: 108-110; [α]_(D) ^(rt) +8.6(1.03, MeOH), M+H⁺ 282.2.

The following compounds of formula I wherein —O—Y— is

can be prepared in analogy to Example 17 or 18:

stereo- HPLC mp. ° C. Ex. chem. X R rt (min) [α]_(D) ^(rt) (salt) M + H⁺19 (S) CH₂ phenyl 5.6 −31.0° 126-129 282.2 (0.95% (no salt) MeOH) 20rac. CH₂ 2-fluoro-phenyl 5.9 N/A 87-93 300.2 (no salt) 21 rac. CH₂3-chloro-phenyl 6.6 N/A 163-165 316.2 (no salt) 22 rac. CH₂3,4-dichloro-phenyl 3.6 N/A 182-184 350.1 (no salt) 23 rac. CH₂2,4-dichloro-phenyl 3.6 N/A N/A (oil) 350.1 (HCl salt) 24 rac. CH₂3,5-dichloro-phenyl 3.7 N/A 183-184 350.1 (no salt) 25 rac. CH₂3-cyano-phenyl 3.5 N/A 189 307.2 (no salt) 26 rac. CH₂3-trifluoromethyl- 3.5 N/A 158-159 350.2 phenyl (no salt) 27 rac. CH₂benzo[1,3]dioxo1-5-yl 5.9 N/A nd 326.2 (no salt) 28 (R) CH₂2-fluoro-phenyl 5.7 nd nd 300.2 (no salt) 29 rac. CH₂ 3,5-bis-trifluoro-7.6 N/A nd 418.2 methyl-phenyl (no salt) 30 (R) CH₂ 2-chloro-phenyl 3.4+29.6° nd 316.2 (0.50% (no salt) EtOH) 31 (R) CH₂ 3-chloro-phenyl 3.4 nd160-163 316.2 (no salt) 32 (R) CH₂ thiophen-2-yl 5.2 nd nd 288.1 (nosalt) 33 (R) CH₂ naphthalen-1-yl 6.8 nd nd 332.2 (no salt) 34 rac. CH₂4-chloro-phenyl 3.5 N/A 170-173 316.2 (no salt) 35 (R) CH₂benzofuran-2-yl 6.9 +33.8° 183-186 322.2 (0.97% (no salt) MeOH) 36 (R)CH₂ thiophen-3-yl 5.3 +26.2° 167-174 288.1 (0.99% (no salt) MeOH) 37 (R)CH₂ naphthalen-2-yl 7.0 +27.0° 170-190 332.2 (0.1% (no salt) MeOH) 38(R) CH₂ 2,3-dichloro-phenyl 6.9 nd nd 350.1 (no salt) 39 (R) CH₂2,3-difluoro-phenyl 3.3 +33.7° 135-136 318.2 (0.5% (no salt) MeOH) 40rac CH₂ 2-methoxy-phenyl 3.4 N/A 160-163 312.2 (no salt) 41 (R) CH₂2,6-dichloro-phenyl nd nd nd 350 (no salt) 42 (R) CH₂ 3-fluoro-phenyl ndnd nd 300 (no salt) 43 (R) CH₂ furan-3-yl nd nd nd 272 (no salt) 44 (R)CH₂ furan-2-yl 3.2 nd nd 272.2 (no salt) 45 (R) CH₂ 2,5-difluoro-phenyl4.1 +24.7° nd 318.3 (0.525% (no salt) MeOH) 46 (R) CH₂2,5-dichloro-phenyl 5.3 +19.9° nd 350.2 (0.525% (no salt) MeOH) 47 (R)CH₂ 2-trifluoromethyl- 3.5 nd 187-207 350.2 phenyl (no salt) 48 (R) CH₂o-tolyl 4.4 nd 85-94 296.2 (no salt) 49 (R) CH₂ m-tolyl 3.4 +33.1°139-140 296.2 (0.52% (no salt) MeOH) 50 (R) CH₂ p-tolyl 4.7 +28.6°158-164 296.2 (0.54% (no salt) MeOH) 51 (R) CH₂ 5-fluoro-2-methoxy- 4.5+25.5° 115-118 330.2 phenyl (0.55% (no salt) MeOH) 52 (R) CH₂2-fluoro-4-methyl- 4.9 +30.2° 130-132 314.2 phenyl (0.54% (no salt)MeOH) 53 (R) CH₂ 2-fluoro-5-methyl- 4.8 +30.3° 135-145 314.2 phenyl(0.53% (no salt) MeOH) 54 (R) CH₂ 3,4-dimethyl-phenyl 3.5 +31.5° 154-156310.2 (0.50% (no salt) MeOH) 55 (R) CH₂ 2-chloro-4-methyl- 3.5 +29.6°114-116 330.0 phenyl (0.52% (no salt) MeOH) 56 (R) single2-fluoro-4-methyl- 3.4 nd 126-130 300.2 bond phenyl (no salt) 57 (R) CH₂2-chloro-5-methyl- 3.5 nd nd 330.3 phenyl (no salt)

Example 58: Preparation of(R)-3-(6-p-Tolyl-pyridin-3-yloxy)-1-aza-bicyclo[2.2.2]octane

Bromine (18.0 ml, 353.7 mmol) is slowly added to a soln. of2-amino-5-chloropyridine (15.0 g, 116.7 mmol) in 47% aq. HBr (75.0 ml)at −10° C. An aq. soln. of NaNO₂ (28.1 g, 407.3 mmol) is slowly added.The mixture is stirred for 1 h at −10 to −5° C., then for 1 h at 5° C.The mixture is neutralised with 5M aq. NaOH soln. maintaining thetemperature below 25° C. The precipitate is filtered and recrystallizedfrom pentane to give 2-bromo-5-chloropyridine. 2-Bromo-5-chloropyridine(5.0 g, 26.0 mmol), p-tolylboronic acid (4.0 g, 29.4 mmol) andtetrakis(triphenylphosphine)palladium (1.44 g, 1.2 mmol) are dissolvedin toluene:EtOH 9:1 (1375 ml). A 2M aq. Na₂CO₃ soln. (62.5 ml) is addedto the reaction mixture. The mixture is stirred at 90° C. for 24 h,cooled to rt and filtered over celite. The toluene layer is separatedand washed with brine. The aq. layers are extracted with AcOEt. Thecombined organic extracts are dried over MgSO₄ and filtered. Thefiltrate is evaporated to give a brown solid which is purified by FC(silica gel, eluent toluene) to give 5-chloro-2-p-tolyl-pyridine.(R)-3-Quinuclidinol (2.97 g, 23.4 mmol) is added to a suspension of NaH(0.96 g of a 60% dispersion in mineral oil, 22.8 mmol) in DMF (90 ml).The mixture is stirred for 1 h at rt. 5-Chloro-2-p-tolyl-pyridine (4.00g, 19.6 mmol) is added and the mixture is heated for 135 h at 135° C.The reaction mixture is diluted with toluene and washed with 1M aq. NaOHsoln. and brine. The aq. layers are re-extracted with toluene (3×). Thecombined organic extracts are dried over MgSO₄ and filtered. Thefiltrate is evaporated to give a brown oil which is purified by FC(silica gel, eluents: AcOEt, then AcOEt/MeOH/NEt₃ 87:10:3) andrecrystallized from CH₃CN to give(R)-3-(6-p-tolyl-pyridin-3-yloxy)-1-aza-bicyclo[2.2.2]octane; mp ° C.:110-112; [α]_(D) ^(rt)=+21.2° (0.50, MeOH), M+H⁺ 295.2.

The following compounds of formula I wherein —O—Y—R is

or

can be prepared in analogy to Example 58:

HPLC stereo rt mp. Ex. chem. X —O—Y— R (min) [α]_(d) ^(rt) ° C. (salt)M + H⁺ 59 rac. CH₂

phenyl 6.8 N/A 75-80 (no salt) 281.2 60 (R) CH₂

phenyl 5.4 +34.6° (1.0% MeOH) 78-81 (no salt) 281.2 61 (R) CH₂

phenyl 4.2 −19.1 (0.5% MeOH) 226-236 (HCl salt) 281.2 62 (R) CH₂

3- trifluoro- methyl- phenyl 3.7 nd nd (no salt) 349.2 63 (R) CH₂

2- chloro- phenyl 3.3 −18.7 (0.5% MeOH) nd (HCl salt) 315.2 64 (R) CH₂

thiophen- 2-yl 4.3 nd 220-237 (phoshate salt) 287.2 65 (R) CH₂

o-tolyl nd −22.0 (0.5% MeOH 200-250 (HCl salt) 295.2 66 (R) CH₂

m-tolyl 3.2 −11.2 (0.5% MeOH) 204-211 (phosphate salt) 295.2 67 (R) CH₂

2,3- dimethyl- phenyl 3.1 nd nd (no salt) 309.2 68 (R) CH₂

4- ethyl- phenyl 3.4 nd 178-200 (phosphate salt) 309.3 69 (R) CH₂

3,4- dimethyl- phenyl 3.3 nd nd (no salt) 309.2 70 (R) CH₂

2- chloro-4- methyl- phenyl 3.5 +13.0 (0.52% MeOH) 94-99 (no salt) 329.071 (R) single bond

p-tolyl 3.0 nd 125-127 (no salt) 281.0 72 (R) CH₂

1- naphthyl 3.4 nd 146-151 (no salt) 331.0 73 (R) CH₂

2- naphthyl 3.5 nd nd (no salt) 331.0 74 (R) CH₂

2- chloro-5- methyl- phenyl 3.4 nd nd (no salt) 329.3

HPLC Conditions:

for Examples 1-21, 27-29, 32, 33, 35-38, 41-46, 48-53: Column PhenomenexLuna or Kingsorb C18, 30×4.6 mm, 3 μM. Gradient (A {H₂O+0.08% HCOOH} BCH₃CN): 0 to 5 min: A:B 100:0 to 80:20, 5 to 10 min: 80:20 to 0:100,flow 3.0 ml/min.

for Examples 22-26: Column Waters Xterra MS C18, 50×2.1 mm, 2. μM.Gradient (A:{H₂O+0.02% TFA}, B:{CH₃CN+0.02% TFA}): 0 to 2 min: A:B 90:10to 5:95; 2 to 4 min: 5:95, 4 to 5.5 min 5:95 to 10:90, 5.5 to 6 min:10:90 to 90:10, 6 to 7 min: 90:10, flow 0.35 ml/min.

for Examples 30, 31, 34, 39, 40, 47, 54-74: Column Waters Xterra MS C18,150×2.1 mm, 3.5 μM. Gradient (A:{H₂O+0.02% TFA}, B:{CH₃CN+0.02% TFA}): 0to 3 min: A:B 90:10 to 10:90; 3 to 8 min: 10:90, 8 to 9 min: 10:90 to90:10, 9 to 15 min: 90:10, flow 0.35 ml/min.

Example 75: Preparation ofR-3-(6-(2-fluoro-4-methyl-phenyl)-pyridazin-3-yloxy)-1-aza-bicyclo[2.2.2]octane

A solution of (R)-(−)-3-quinuclidinol (0.742 g, 5.84 mmol) in dry DMF (5ml) is added slowly to a suspension of sodium hydride (60% in mineraloil, 0.234 g, 5.84 mmol) in DMF (5 ml) and stirred at 50° C. for 2 h.The reaction mixture is cooled down to rt and a solution of3-chloro-6-(2-fluoro-4-methyl-phenyl)-pyridazine (1.05 g, 4.49 mmol) inDMF (10 ml) is added. The resulting reaction mixture is stirred for 24h, quenched by the addition of H₂O and evaporated in high vac to give aorange residue. To the residue is added H₂O (100 ml) and extracted withEtOAc (3×50 ml). The organic extracts are combined, washed with H₂O (100ml), dried over MgSO₄ (anhydrous) and evaporated under reduced pressureto give a yellow solid, which is purified by chromatography, affordingthe title product, HPLC rt (min): 4.7; mp ° C.: 128-130; [α]_(D)^(rt)=+37° (0.1%, MeOH).

Step 75.1: Preparation of 2-fluoro-4-methylbenzene boronic acid

To a mixture of toluene (160 ml) and THF (40 ml) are added triisopropylborate (13.56 ml, 58.42 mmole) and 3-fluoro-4-bromotoluene (10.0 g,48.69 mmole). The mixture is cooled down to −40° C. and n-Butylithium(2.5M in hexane) (23.4 ml, 58.42 mmole) is added slowly over 1 h and themixture is stirred for an additional hour while the temperature is heldat −40° C. The acetone/dry ice bath is removed and the reaction mixtureis allowed to warm to −20° C. before a 2.5M HCl solution (20 ml) isadded. When the mixture reached rt, the aqueous layer is extracted withEtOAc (3×50 ml), organic extracts are combined, dried over MgSO₄(anhydrous) and evaporated under reduced pressure to give a yellowsolid, which is recrystallised from acetonitrile, affording the titleproduct.

Step 75.2: Preparation of3-Chloro-6-(2-fluoro-4-methyl-phenyl)-pyridazine

To a solution of 3,6-dichloropyridazine (2.0 g, 13.42 mmole) in1,4-dioxane (20 ml) are added Pd₂(dba)₃ (0.21 g, 0.2 mmole), P(^(t)Bu)₃(0.122 g, 0.6 mmole) in 1,4-dioxane (1 ml), KF (2.57 g, 44.3 mmole) and2-fluoro-4-methylbenzeneboronic acid (step 31.1, 2.68 g, 17.45 mmole).The resulting mixture is heated at 120° C. for 48 h. The reactionmixture is filtered through celite and washed pad with EtOAc. Thefiltrate is washed with H₂O, dried over MgSO₄ (anhydrous) and evaporatedunder reduced pressure to give a brown solid, which is purified bychromatography, affording the title product.

The following compounds of formula I wherein Y is

can be prepared in analogy to Example 75:

HPLC Ex. stereo chem. X R rt (min) [α]_(D) ^(rt) mp. ° C. M + H⁺ 76 (R)CH₂ 4,5-dimethyl-2- 5.5 +36° 108-110 328.3 fluoro-phenyl (0.1% MeOH) 77(R) CH₂ 4-ethylphenyl 5.7 +25° 148-150 310.2 (0.1% MeOH) 78 (R) CH₂2-fluoro-5- 6.9 +37° 138-140 368.2 trifluoromethyl- (0.5% phenyl MeOH)79 (R) CH₂ 3,4-OCH₂O- 5.6 +49° 180-182 326.2 phenyl (0.1% MeOH) 80 (R)CH₂ 3-methoxy- 5.8 +36° 142-144 312.2 phenyl (0.1% MeOH) 81 (R) CH₂2-fluoro-4- 4.4 +28° 118-120 330.3 methoxy-phenyl (0.1% MeOH) 82 (R) CH₂4- 4.8 +27° 153-155 348.3 difluoromethoxy- (0.1% phenyl MeOH) 83 (R) CH₂4-methoxy- 5.8 +58° 154-156 312.2 phenyl (0.1% MeOH) 84 (R) CH₂4-isopropyl- 5.7 +53° 164-166 324.29 phenyl (0.1% MeOH)

Example 85

The following compounds of formula I wherein Y is

can be prepared in analogy to Example 75:

Ex. stereochem. X R 85a (R) CH₂ 3,4-dimethyl-phenyl 85b (R) CH₂4-methyl-phenyl 85c (R) CH₂ 3-methyl-phenyl 85d (R) CH₂2,5-difluoro-4-methyl-phenyl 85e (R) CH₂ 2-fluoro-5-methyl-phenyl 85f(R) CH₂ 3-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl 85g (3R,4S) bond2-fluoro-4-methyl-phenyl 85h (3S,4R) bond 2-fluoro-4-methyl-phenyl 85i(R) CH₂ 2,5-difluoro-phenyl 85j (R) CH₂ 4-n-propyl-phenyl 85k (R) CH₂2-chloro-4-methyl-phenyl 85l (R) CH₂ indan-5-yl 85m (R) CH₂ 2-thienyl85n (R) CH₂ 6-tetralinyl 85o (R) CH₂ 2-naphthyl 85p (R) CH₂2-benzothienyl 85q (R) CH₂ 3-thienyl 85r (R) CH₂ 1-naphthyl

Example 86: Soft Capsules

5000 soft gelatin capsules, each comprising as active ingredient 0.05 gof one of the compounds of formula I mentioned in the precedingExamples, are prepared as follows:

Composition

Active ingredient 250 g

Lauroglycol 2 litres

Preparation process: The pulverized active ingredient is suspended inLauroglykol® (propylene glycol laurate, Gattefossé S.A., Saint Priest,France) and ground in a wet pulverizer to produce a particle size ofabout 1 to 3 μm. 0.419 g portions of the mixture are then introducedinto soft gelatin capsules using a capsule-filling machine.

1. A method for the prevention or treatment of a disease or disorder ina subject in need of such treatment, the method comprising:administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of aselective α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) agonist, whereinthe selective α7 nAChR agonist is(R)-3-(6-p-tolyl-pyridin-3-yloxy)-1-aza-bicyclo[2.2.2]octane in freebase form or in acid addition salt form.
 2. The method of claim 1,wherein the disease or disorder is a psychotic disorder.
 3. The methodof claim 2, wherein the psychotic disorder is selected from the groupconsisting of: mania, depression, and anxiety.
 4. The method of claim 1,wherein the disease or disorder is a neurodegenerative disorder.
 5. Themethod of claim 4, wherein the neurodegenerative disorder is selectedfrom the group consisting of: senile dementia, Alzheimer's disease, andan intellectual impairment disorder.
 6. The method of claim 1, whereinthe disease or disorder is attention deficit hyperactivity disorder(ADHD), Parkinson's Disease, Huntington's chorea, amyotrophic lateralsclerosis, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, convulsions, Tourette syndrome,obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), memory deficits and dysfunction, alearning deficit, a panic disorder, narcolepsy, nociception, AIDSdementia, autism, tardive dyskinesia, social phobia, or pseudodementia.7. The method of claim 1, wherein the disease or disorder is neuropathicpain, postoperative pain, inflammatory pain, or phantom limb pain.
 8. Amethod for improving cognition in a subject in need of such treatment,the method comprising: administering to the subject a therapeuticallyeffective amount of a selective α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor(nAChR) agonist, wherein the selective α7 nAChR agonist is(R)-3-(6-p-tolyl-pyridin-3-yloxy)-1-aza-bicyclo[2.2.2]octane in freebase form or in acid addition salt form.